The cult comedy franchise Hera Pheri has hit yet another roadblock. Director Priyadarshan, speaking on February 26, 2026, confirmed that Hera Pheri 3 will “definitely not” go on floors in 2026, citing unresolved legal disputes over the franchise’s rights as the primary reason.
The Core Issue: Conflicting Rights Claims
In an interview with ETimes, Priyadarshan explained that multiple parties are claiming ownership over different elements of the project. He said:
“Certain people said they have the rights to the film, while others claimed rights to the music.”
He also noted that Bhushan Kumar issued a public clarification stating that the music rights of Hera Pheri 3 belong to him (via his label), but the broader ownership picture remains tangled.
The Legal Flashpoint: Madras High Court Petition
The latest escalation involves G P Vijayakumar (Seven Arts International), who has approached the Madras High Court asserting that his company holds the relevant rights—claims linked back to the Malayalam original Ramji Rao Speaking (1989) and the scope of Hindi remake permissions granted earlier.
As cited in reports referencing court filings, Seven Arts International argues that the permission covered only one Hindi adaptation (which became Hera Pheri in 2000) and alleges the rights were exceeded thereafter—complicating the planned third instalment.
Priyadarshan’s Clear Stance
When asked if the film would move ahead this year, Priyadarshan was unequivocal:
“Definitely not this year.”
Until the rights are conclusively settled, the project remains stalled.
A Brief History of Setbacks
Hera Pheri 3 has faced repeated hurdles in recent years, including:
- 2025: Paresh Rawal briefly exited the project; reports said Akshay Kumar’s production house sought ₹25 crore in damages, before the issue was resolved.
- 2026: The ongoing rights dispute has now halted momentum again, with the director confirming no floor date this year.
Priyadarshan also played down rumours of lasting friction, remarking: “I don’t think there are permanent enemies in politics or cinema.”
Fan Frustration and Franchise Legacy
The original Hera Pheri (2000) and Phir Hera Pheri (2006) remain among the most quoted and re-watched Hindi comedies, powered by the trio of Akshay Kumar (Raju), Suniel Shetty (Shyam), and Paresh Rawal (Baburao/Babu Bhaiya). With legal battles now holding the third film hostage, fans are once again left waiting for the iconic chaos to return.
For now, Hera Pheri 3 remains on hold—not due to script rewrites or scheduling conflicts, but because of unresolved questions of ownership and rights.
— By Manoj H